Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.
It’s time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.
In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Felicia Tittle, the executive director of Recreation and Physical Education at Duke University.
Tittle, known for her impactful leadership and unique career journey, shares insights on her path from a non-traditional background to becoming a leader in campus recreation. She discusses her educational background, her time working as a correctional officer and probation officer, and how those roles shaped her approach to leadership.
In addition, Tittle highlights the importance of patience, emotional intelligence and intentionality in fostering a healthy culture within her department. Tittle also reflects on the challenges and politics of leading in higher education and her commitment to creating inclusive and transformative recreational spaces.
Throughout the conversation, Tittle’s dedication to her team and her mission to impact lives positively shines through, offering valuable lessons on leadership, personal growth and community engagement.
Show Notes from the Conversation with Felicia Tittle:
- Tittle discusses her journey from undergrad to working as a correctional officer at 2:19.
- How her time in corrections prepared her for leadership roles today at 4:51.
- The impact of patience and understanding in leading complex teams at 8:53.
- What’s another extra-curricular passion Tittle loves? Find out at 11:24.
- Tittle’s non-traditional path to campus recreation leadership and the lessons she learned along the way at 11:54.
- Why Tittle pursued a doctorate in organizational leadership and how it influenced her role as a director at 14:15.
- Learn about Tittle’s transformational leadership style at Duke at 17:05.
- Tittle’s perspective on effective communication: Being transparent, direct, and consistent at 21:25.
- Learn how Duke’s Recreation department stands out and its healthy culture at 26:34
- Tittle shares about inclusive educational opportunities for staff at 30:31.
- What are the two sides of leadership Tittle has learned? Find out at 34:20
- Navigating the politics of recreation and maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and service at 37:40.
- Tittle’s advice on preparing future directors to deal with the complexities of leadership in recreation at 41:41.
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